The Jet Age, 1958 -Today

The jet engine revolutionized air travel. Powerful and durable, jets enabled aircraft manufacturers to build bigger, faster, and more productive airliners. Jet technology also enabled airlines to reduce their operating costs and their airfares.

The jet age saw the end of airline regulation by the federal government, an act that transformed the industry and produced much upheaval. Passengers benefited from falling fares-almost anyone who wanted to could now fly.

The effects of deregulation, along with the computer revolution and heightened security measures, especially following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, have profoundly changed the nature of the air travel experience.